European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON: MICROEMULGEL AS A NEW PLATFORM FOR TOPICAL APPLICATION

Mandurke Arjun D., Nagoba Shivappa N.* and Thonte S. S.

ABSTRACT

Topical therapies in cream, ointment, gel and lotion formulation are an important component of dermatological therapeutic armamentarium. They are relatively free of serious side effects. Microemulgel is a mixture of microemulsion and gel, is relatively a new and novel topical drug delivery system which has many advantages and potential uses in dermatology. Microemulgel is one such a unique feature of a topical delivery system for drug make the localized administration and direct acceptability of the drug anywhere in the body through ophthalmic, vaginal, skin and rectal routes. Micro-emulsion based gel is emerging topical delivery systems contain both micro-emulsion as well as gel. Micro-emulsion based gel is either oil in water or water in oil type of micro-emulsion which is gelled by mixing it with suitable gelling agent. Incorporation of micro-emulsion into gel increases its stability and makes it dual control release system. Presence of gel phase makes it a non-greasy, non sticky and smooth appearance which favors superior patient compliance. Despite of gel have a limitation in delivery of hydrophobic drug moiety. This moiety can be overcome by the use of novel drug delivery system i.e. microemulgel. Microemulgel is one of topical drug delivery system that incorporates properties of both gel and micro-emulsion and shows dual release control system. Currently many drugs of antimicrobial, antifungal and non steroidal anti inflammatory class are studied for their topical delivery through microemulgel formulation. Microemulgel prolongs the drug release, increases patient compliance and stability of microemulgel. After the brief study, it can be concluded that the microemulgel appear better and effective drug delivery system as compared to other topical drug delivery system.

Keywords: Microemulgel, Microemulsion, gel and Topical Application.